Keyboard backlight system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed systems provide keyboard backlighting from organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) placed under the keys. A keyboard stack optionally includes a light guide or reflector. A single OLED can illuminate multiple keys through a light guide. OLEDs used for backlighting may be arranged in a strip to illuminate more than one key. OLEDs can be deposited directly to the light guide or reflector, and can include a seal to promote air stability.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to input devices forinformation handling systems, and more particularly to a keyboardbacklight system.

BACKGROUND

As the value and use of information continues to increase, individualsand businesses seek additional ways to process and store information.One option is an information handling system. An information handlingsystem generally processes, compiles, stores, or communicatesinformation or data for business, personal, or other purposes.Technology and information handling needs and requirements can varybetween different applications. Thus information handling systems canalso vary regarding what information is handled, how the information ishandled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, andhow quickly and efficiently the information can be processed, stored, orcommunicated. The variations in information handling systems allowinformation handling systems to be general or configured for a specificuser or specific use such as financial transaction processing, airlinereservations, enterprise data storage, or global communications. Inaddition, information handling systems can include a variety of hardwareand software resources that can be configured to process, store, andcommunicate information and can include one or more computer systems,graphics interface systems, data storage systems, networking systems,and mobile communication systems. Information handling systems can alsoimplement various virtualized architectures. An information handlingsystem may include a keyboard that receives user input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relativeto other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the presentdisclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings herein,in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a keyboard stack for providing input to aninformation handling system including a keyboard backlight systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of a keyboard backlight system including anorganic light emitting diode (OLED) and light guide for illuminating aset of keys according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a keyboard backlight system includingan organic light emitting diode and light guide with openings forilluminating a set of keys according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of a keyboard backlight system including areflector and an OLED element for illuminating a set of keys;

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view depicting elements of a keyboard stackincluding a keyboard backlight system according to embodiment of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram view of a keyboard stack including akeyboard backlight system having OLED elements according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram with a machine implemented method forlighting a keyboard according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an information handling systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The descriptionis focused on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings,and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus shouldnot be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of theteachings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawingsindicates similar or identical items.

Information handling systems include keyboards for receiving user input.Keyboards are made of components arranged vertically in a keyboardstack. A keyboard stack may include components for receiving mechanicalinput from a user (e.g., a finger press) and converting the mechanicalinput into electrical signals. Such a keyboard may include a series ofswitches or transducers for receiving the input. The switches ortransducers can include mechanical or capacitive elements for detectingthe input.

For low-light conditions, disclosed systems include a backlight system.The backlight system shows light through a portion of the keys. As thelight source for such backlight systems, OLEDs are placed under thekeys. The OLEDs can be applied directly to a substrate under the keys.Placing OLEDs directly under the keys in some cases obviates the needfor a light guide, which can result in a shorter keyboard stack. Inother cases, a light guide can be used to direct light from one OLED toa group of keys. Fewer OLEDs to light a keyboard require less energyconsumption. Multiple light guides can be configured to minimize theeffects of losses caused by the light guides, and to minimize the addedthickness caused by the light guides. OLEDs can be substantiallytransparent and multiple layers of OLEDs can be used to achieve multiplecolors of keyboard backlighting. OLEDs can be deposited (e.g., screenprinted) directly to a light guide or other substrate such as areflector.

Exemplary systems are described with reference to the Figures. As shown,FIG. 1 illustrates aspects of a keyboard stack assembly 100 that makesup a keyboard for an information handling system. Systems represented inFIG. 1 use OLEDs as the source of backlighting. The keyboard stackassembly 100 includes chassis 140 and key layer 105. Chassis 140 can bea laptop chassis, mobile phone chassis, or enclosure for a wirelesskeyboard, as examples. Key layer 105 includes individual keys (e.g.,“Tab” key, “Shift” key, letter “a” key, “Enter” key, and so on) thatreceive user input.

Keyboard stack assembly 100 includes a backlight system made of layersincluding OLED layer 125. Keys in key layer 105 are backlit withsubstantially white light from OLED layer 125 when the layer isselectively energized by a controller or processing unit (not shown).For example, a controller turns the layer on in certain circumstancessuch as detecting input, detecting a user, detecting low lightconditions, in response to a computer program, etc. Additional elementsdepicted in keyboard stack assembly 100, which are present in someembodiments in various configurations, include OLED layer 130,reflective layer 135, and light guide layer 120. In some embodiments,light guide layer 120 directs light from OLED layer 125 to individualkeys or to groups of keys in key layer 105. Light guide layer 120additionally provides a surface on which to print OLED layer 125 in someembodiments.

OLED layer 130 provides a secondary source of backlighting for key layer105. OLED layer 130 when energized emanates colored light such as green,blue, or red light. OLED layer 130 may be screen printed to reflectivelayer 135 or light guide layer 120. Alternate embodiments derived fromthe system depicted in FIG. 1 include but are not limited to a keyboardstack assembly 100 that excludes any combination of protective membrane110, light guide layer 120, reflective layer 135, or OLED layer 130.

Protective membrane 110 protects the lower layers and may be formed ofrubber or synthetic material. In some embodiments, protective membrane110 includes synthetic material such as rubber or plastic infused withcarbon fiber. Key layer 105 includes multiple keys for receivingmechanical or capacitive input through keystrokes.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional aspects of some embodied keyboardbacklight systems. Backlight system 200 includes enclosure 245 which maybe machined of aluminum or plastic, as examples. OLED 240, as shown, hasbeen screen printed to light guide 235. OLED 240 is selectivelyenergized to emit light. In some embodiments, the light is substantiallywhite. Light guide 235 directs the light through diffusers 230, 225, and220 to keys 205, 210, and 215. Diffusers 230, 225, and 220 may beopenings in an otherwise reflective film that forms part of light guide235, to allow light to escape from light guide 235 under keys 205, 210,and 215. The arrangement of backlight system 200, which represents oneOLED providing light to multiple keys by way of a light guide, is usedin some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a keyboard backlight system 300.Backlight system 300 includes components identical to or similar tothose in backlight system 200 (FIG. 2). OLED strip 325 is printed to(and located under) light guide 310, which includes openings 315, 330,and 340 to provide backlighting for keys 320, 335, and 345. Enclosure350, as shown, includes other similar components in which a single OLEDstrip illuminates multiple keys from below.

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of keyboard backlight system 400 thatincludes an enclosure 435 and reflector 430. OLED strip 410 is screenprinted to (and located above) reflector 430. OLED strip 410 isselectively energized to provide backlighting to keys 415, 420, and 425.Some light emanating from OLED strip 410 bounces off reflector 430toward keys 415, 420, and 425. Keys 415, 420, and 425 in someembodiments have transparent or translucent openings (e.g., in the shapeof letters or numbers) that allow light from OLED strip 410 to passthrough the keys to result in backlighting.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of keyboard stack system 500 thatincludes enclosure 525 and key layer 505. Key layer 505 includes akeyboard for an information handling system such as a laptop computer.OLED layer 515 is screen printed to reflective layer 520 and providesbacklighting to key layer 505. Switch layer 510 produces electricalsignals when keys in the key layer 505 are pressed. Reflective layer 520may be made of any reflective material such as a retro-reflectivecoating or tape. Reflective layer 520 may include a metallic sheet,foil, paint, or coating (e.g., thin silver coating). Keyboard stacksystem 500 can be made relatively thin compared to a system with a lightguide. As a result, enclosure 525 can be made thin while still providingkeyboard backlighting.

FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of keyboard stack system 600.Representative internal components of system 600 provide backlightingaccording to disclosed embodiments. As shown, system 600 includes keys605 and 645. Each of these sets of keys is backlit from separate sets ofillumination components. Keys 605 and 645 provide input (e.g.,mechanical or capacitive input) to switches 690 and 695, which receivethe input and convert the input to electrical signals 691 and 696provided to controller 685. Controller 691 selectively energizes a firstand second set of OLEDs. The first and second sets of OLEDs can includeone OLED or numerous OLEDs.

In FIG. 6, a first set of OLEDs is represented by electrode 615,emissive/conductive layer 620 (which can be printed as either anemissive or conductive layer in the depicted OLED), conductive/emissivelayer 625 (which can be printed as either a conductive or emissive layerin the depicted OLED), and electrode 630. Depending on the configurationof the depicted OLED or set of OLEDs, each of electrodes 615 and 630 iseither a cathode or anode. The emissive and conductive layers can beformed of organic molecules or polymers, for example. Similarly, asecond OLED or set of OLEDs is represented by electrode 655,emissive/conductive layer 660, conductive/emissive layer 665, andelectrode 670.

As shown, keyboard stack system 600 further includes reflector 635,reflector 675, light guide 610, and light guide 650 that may be used ina variety of embodiments. Light guides 610 and 650 may be utilized toestablish a 1 to N ratio between the number of OLEDs and number of keysbacklit by the OLEDs. As discussed above, light guides 610 and 650 candirect light to individual keys as needed. The first and second OLEDsdiscussed above may be deposited directly onto light guide 610 orreflector 635. Electrodes 615, 630, 655, or 670 may include a coating(e.g., a transparent coating) to make the OLEDs air stable by sealingthe OLED organic material from exposure to air. In another embodiment aseal layer (not shown) may be applied to seal the OLED material fromexposure to air and potential degradation.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow diagram with a machine-implemented method 700for keyboard backlighting according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. Block 705 relates to printing OLEDs to a substrate. Asexamples, the OLEDs can be deposited to a light guide (e.g., light guide610 in FIG. 6) or reflector (reflector 650 in FIG. 6) in various waysincluding but not limited to screen printing, vacuum depositing, vacuumthermal evaporation, organic vapor phase deposition, ultrasonic spray,or inkjet printing. Block 710 is relates to printing a seal layer to theOLEDs to contribute to air stability. The protective layer may includeelectrode components, and may be made of a polymer or polyimide. Inblock 715, an OLED is energized selectively under a key. Energizingselectively occurs, for example, upon startup, upon detection oflow-light conditions, at the request of a program, and the like. Toenergize the OLED, controller 685 (FIG. 6) turns on the OLED formed byelectrode 615, emissive layer 620, conductive layer 625, and electrode630 by applying a voltage across the electrodes. This causes light toemanate from the OLED.

Block 720 relates to directing the light through a light guide toward akey in some embodiments. For example, in FIG. 6, light is directedthrough light guide 610 to keys 605. As discussed above, someembodiments include reflectors. Accordingly, block 725 relates toreflecting OLED light toward a key. For example, in FIG. 6, reflector635 reflects light toward keys 605. Similarly, in FIG. 1, reflectivelayer 135 reflects light from OLED layer 125 toward one or more keys inkey layer 105 in accordance with block 725 (FIG. 7).

Block 730 is related to embodiments which include selectively energizinga further OLED to direct colored light toward the key. Block 730 can beperformed by energizing an OLED in OLED layer 130. Controller 685 (FIG.6) performs block 730 by energizing OLED layer 130 selectively inscenarios including but not limited to: upon boot up of an informationhandling system; upon a light detector sensing low-light conditions fora keyboard; upon selection of a switch (e.g., through addressing aparticular key for illumination); or in response to input from software.

Disclosed embodiments are described herein as including OLED technology;however, such descriptions are intended as non-limiting examples. Inaddition or instead, disclosed embodiments may employ organic lightemitting transistors (OLETs), electroluminescent gel, electroluminescentoxide phosphor, and similar technologies that can be configured inaccordance with disclosed embodiments to provide a source ofbacklighting (e.g., as OLED layer 125, as OLED strip 410, etc.).

In block 735, key input is received and converted to an electricalsignal. For example, block 735 is performed when a key in keys 605 (FIG.6) is depressed to cause switch 690 (FIG. 6) to convert mechanicalenergy into electrical energy. In some embodiments, a contact withinswitch 690 closes upon a user depressing a key, causing a voltage signalto transmit to controller 685. Alternatively, switch 690 can be acapacitive switch that changes its capacitance in response to userinput. In response, switch 690 sends an electrical signal to controller685 (FIG. 6) indicating the user input.

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an information handling systemaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For purpose ofthis disclosure, an information handling system can include anyinstrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute,classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch,store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilizeany form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific,control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, the informationhandling system can be a personal computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet device or other consumer electronic device, a networkserver, a network storage device, a switch router or other networkcommunication device, or any other suitable device and may vary in size,shape, performance, functionality, and price. Further, the informationhandling system can include processing resources for executingmachine-executable code, such as CPU 270, a programmable logic array(PLA), an embedded device such as a System-on-a-Chip (SoC), or othercontrol logic hardware. As shown, information handling system 210includes CPU 270, which could take the form of any such processingresource for executing code. The information handling system can alsoinclude one or more buses operable to transmit information between thevarious hardware components. The information handling system can alsoinclude one or more computer-readable medium for storingmachine-executable code, such as software or data. Additional componentsof the information handling system can include one or more storagedevices (e.g., memory chips) that can store machine-executable code, oneor more communications ports for communicating with external devices,and various input and output (I/O) devices, such as a radio, keyboard, amouse, and a video display.

FIG. 8 illustrates a generalized embodiment of information handlingsystem 800. Information handling system 800 can include devices ormodules that embody one or more of the devices or modules describedabove, and operates to perform one or more of the methods describedabove. Information handling system 800 includes a processors 802 and804, a chipset 810, a memory 820, a graphics interface 830, include abasic input and output system/extensible firmware interface (BIOS/EFI)module 840, a disk controller 850, a disk emulator 860, an input/output(I/O) interface 870, and a network interface 880. Processor 802 isconnected to chipset 810 via processor interface 806, and processor 804is connected to chipset 810 via processor interface 808. Memory 820 isconnected to chipset 810 via a memory bus 822. Graphics interface 830 isconnected to chipset 810 via a graphics interface 832, and provides avideo display output 836 to a video display 834. In a particularembodiment, information handling system 800 includes separate memoriesthat are dedicated to each of processors 802 and 804 via separate memoryinterfaces. An example of memory 820 includes random access memory (RAM)such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), non-volatile RAM(NV-RAM), or the like, read only memory (ROM), another type of memory,or a combination thereof.

BIOS/EFI module 840, disk controller 850, and I/O interface 870 areconnected to chipset 810 via an I/O channel 812. An example of I/Ochannel 812 includes a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)interface, a PCI-Extended (PCI-X) interface, a high-speed PCI-Express(PCIe) interface, another industry standard or proprietary communicationinterface, or a combination thereof. Chipset 810 can also include one ormore other I/O interfaces, including an Industry Standard Architecture(ISA) interface, a Small Computer Serial Interface (SCSI) interface, anInter-Integrated Circuit (I²C) interface, a System Packet Interface(SPI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), another interface, or a combinationthereof. BIOS/EFI module 840 includes BIOS/EFI code operable to detectresources within information handling system 800, to provide drivers forthe resources, initialize the, and access the resources. BIOS/EFI module840 includes code that operates to detect resources within informationhandling system 800, to provide drivers for the resources, to initializethe resources, and to access the resources.

Disk controller 850 includes a disk interface 852 that connects the disccontroller to a hard disk drive (HDD) 854, to an optical disk drive(ODD) 856, and to disk emulator 860. An example of disk interface 852includes an Integrated Drive Electronics (IDE) interface, an AdvancedTechnology Attachment (ATA) such as a parallel ATA (PATA) interface or aserial ATA (SATA) interface, a SCSI interface, a USB interface, aproprietary interface, or a combination thereof. Disk emulator 860permits a solid-state drive 864 to be connected to information handlingsystem 800 via an external interface 862. An example of externalinterface 862 includes a USB interface, an IEEE 7194 (Firewire)interface, a proprietary interface, or a combination thereof.Alternatively, solid-state drive 864 can be disposed within informationhandling system 800.

I/O interface 870 includes a peripheral interface 872 that connects theI/O interface to an add-on resource 874 and to network interface 880.Peripheral interface 872 can be the same type of interface as I/Ochannel 812, or can be a different type of interface. As such, I/Ointerface 870 extends the capacity of I/O channel 812 when peripheralinterface 872 and the I/O channel are of the same type, and the I/Ointerface translates information from a format suitable to the I/Ochannel to a format suitable to the peripheral channel 872 when they areof a different type. Add-on resource 874 can include a data storagesystem, an additional graphics interface, a network interface card(NIC), a sound/video processing card, another add-on resource, or acombination thereof. Add-on resource 874 can be on a main circuit board,on separate circuit board or add-in card disposed within informationhandling system 800, a device that is external to the informationhandling system, or a combination thereof.

Network interface 880 represents a NIC disposed within informationhandling system 800, on a main circuit board of the information handlingsystem, integrated onto another component such as chipset 810, inanother suitable location, or a combination thereof. Network interfacedevice 880 includes network channels 882 and 884 that provide interfacesto devices that are external to information handling system 800. In aparticular embodiment, network channels 882 and 884 are of a differenttype than peripheral channel 872 and network interface 880 translatesinformation from a format suitable to the peripheral channel to a formatsuitable to external devices. An example of network channels 882 and 884includes InfiniBand channels, Fibre Channel channels, Gigabit Ethernetchannels, proprietary channel architectures, or a combination thereof.Network channels 882 and 884 can be connected to external networkresources (not illustrated). The network resource can include anotherinformation handling system, a data storage system, another network, agrid management system, another suitable resource, or a combinationthereof.

While the computer-readable medium is shown to be a single medium, theterm “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiplemedia, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associatedcaches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term“computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capableof storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution bya processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or moreof the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, thecomputer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as amemory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatileread-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be arandom access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally,the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or opticalmedium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to storeinformation received via carrier wave signals such as a signalcommunicated over a transmission medium. Furthermore, a computerreadable medium can store information received from distributed networkresources such as from a cloud-based environment. A digital fileattachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive orset of archives may be considered a distribution medium that isequivalent to a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure isconsidered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or adistribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in whichdata or instructions may be stored.

In the embodiments described herein, an information handling systemincludes any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operableto compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate,switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, oruse any form of information, intelligence, or data for business,scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, aninformation handling system can be a personal computer, a consumerelectronic device, a network server or storage device, a switch router,wireless router, or other network communication device, a networkconnected device (cellular telephone, tablet device, etc.), or any othersuitable device, and can vary in size, shape, performance, price, andfunctionality.

The information handling system can include memory (volatile (e.g.random-access memory, etc.), nonvolatile (read-only memory, flash memoryetc.) or any combination thereof), one or more processing resources,such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit(GPU), hardware or software control logic, or any combination thereof.Additional components of the information handling system can include oneor more storage devices, one or more communications ports forcommunicating with external devices, as well as, various input andoutput (I/O) devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a video/graphicdisplay, or any combination thereof. The information handling system canalso include one or more buses operable to transmit communicationsbetween the various hardware components. Portions of an informationhandling system may themselves be considered information handlingsystems.

When referred to as a “device,” a “module,” or the like, the embodimentsdescribed herein can be configured as hardware. For example, a portionof an information handling system device may be hardware such as, forexample, an integrated circuit (such as an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), astructured ASIC, or a device embedded on a larger chip), a card (such asa Peripheral Component Interface (PCI) card, a PCI-express card, aPersonal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) card,or other such expansion card), or a system (such as a motherboard, asystem-on-a-chip (SoC), or a stand-alone device).

The device or module can include software, including firmware embeddedat a device, such as a Pentium class or PowerPC™ brand processor, orother such device, or software capable of operating a relevantenvironment of the information handling system. The device or module canalso include a combination of the foregoing examples of hardware orsoftware. Note that an information handling system can include anintegrated circuit or a board-level product having portions thereof thatcan also be any combination of hardware and software.

Devices, modules, resources, or programs that are in communication withone another need not be in continuous communication with each other,unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices, modules,resources, or programs that are in communication with one another cancommunicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries.

Although only a few exemplary embodiments have been described in detailherein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the exemplary embodiments withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of theembodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of theembodiments of the present disclosure as defined in the followingclaims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to coverthe structures described herein as performing the recited function andnot only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.

1. A method for illuminating a keyboard, the method comprising:selectively energizing a first organic light emitting diode, wherein thefirst organic light emitting diode is: printed to a substrate; arrangedsubstantially beneath the keyboard; positioned under a first key of thekeyboard; and configured to primarily illuminate the first key whenselectively energized.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substratecomprises a light guide.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the substratecomprises a reflector.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:selectively energizing a second organic light emitting diode arrangedsubstantially beneath the first organic light emitting diode.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein selectively energizing the first organiclight emitting diode results in emitting substantially white light forthe first key, wherein selectively energizing the second organic lightemitting diode results in emitting colored light for the first key. 6.(canceled)
 7. A keyboard apparatus comprising: a key layer comprisingkeys for receiving user input; a switch layer comprising transducers forconverting the user input to electrical signals; a first organic lightemitting diode layer comprising a first set of organic light emittingdiodes for providing light for the key layer; a light guide layerincluding at least one light guide for directing light from the firstorganic light emitting layer toward the key layer, wherein the first setof organic light emitting diodes are printed to the light guide.
 8. Thekeyboard apparatus of claim 7, wherein the first organic light emittingdiode layer further comprises: a seal layer arranged to prevent exposureto air by the organic light emitting diodes.
 9. The keyboard apparatusof claim 7, wherein the first set of organic light emitting diodes arefor providing substantially white light for the key layer, the keyboardapparatus further comprising: a second organic light emitting layercomprising a second set of organic light emitting diodes for providingcolored light for the key layer. 10-11. (canceled)
 12. The keyboardapparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a reflective layer comprisingat least one reflector for directing light from the first organic lightemitting diode layer toward the key layer.
 13. (canceled)
 14. Anapparatus comprising: a first set of keys; a first organic lightemitting diode comprising a substantially transparent electrode layer,wherein the first organic light emitting diode is arranged to providesubstantially white light through a first portion of the set of keys;and a reflector for directing light to the first portion of the set ofkeys, wherein the first organic light emitting diode is printed to thereflector and positioned under the first portion of the set of keys. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a second organic lightemitting diode comprising a second substantially transparent electrodelayer, wherein the second organic light emitting diode is arranged toprovide substantially white light through a second portion of the set ofkeys.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a light guidefor directing light to the first portion of the set of keys; and asecond light guide for directing light to the second portion of the setof keys.
 17. (canceled)
 18. The apparatus of claim 14, furthercomprising: a set of capacitive switches corresponding to the set ofkeys for providing electrical signals based on user input.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising: a set of mechanical switchescorresponding to the set of keys for providing electrical signals basedon user input.
 20. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising: aprotective membrane arranged to protect a portion of the set ofmechanical switches, wherein the protective membrane is formed at leastin part of carbon fiber.